How the 50 Simulations Were Recorded and Tabulated

The results from those simulations were logged and averaged out—which is where every percentage comes from on the following slides.

For every major award, like the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, etc., the specific player's individual statistics were recorded and averaged over the number of times they were selected for the award.

For categories with just one winner, the percentage totals add up to 100 percent.

For categories with five winners, the percentages should add up to 500 percent.

Bold text notes the winner of the award, the team in the playoffs or the starting five for the All-NBA teams.

Regular text notes the other players in the running for the award, the teams in the running for specific playoff spots and the players who were just left off the All-NBA teams.

2013 NBA MVP: LeBron James

If there's one thing that NBA 2K13 wants us to know about the 2012-13 season it's that the Most Valuable Player award is going to be a two-man race—between LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Much like last season, the MVP race is going to go to one of two players who are truly the face of the NBA's current generation of talent.

Of the 50 simulations, LeBron won the award 30 times and Durant won it 20. It's rather shocking that no other player's name came up once during the simulations, but that just shows how smart NBA 2K13 is. It knows who the two best players in the game are, and more importantly it knows those player's intrinsic value to their teams.

If LeBron does indeed win the 2013 NBA MVP award, it will help elevate his legacy even more—giving him his fourth MVP trophy of his career. Impressive stuff.

2013 NBA Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard

3 of 20

Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers (60%)

15.2 PPG, 6.1 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 STLPG, 46.9 FG% 44.33PFG%

Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Hornets (40%)

14.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.8 BLKPG, 49.7 FG%

In a shocking turn of events, the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year award is going to mirror the 2013 NBA MVP award and come down to two talented players. This time the honor is going to be between Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard.

Oddly enough, the 2013 ROY award was split 60 to 40 percent in favor of Lillard, who NBA 2K13 predicts will shoot over 44 percent from beyond the arc. If Lillard shoots that well from the three-point line, he's a lock to be the rookie of the year.

What Lillard has going for him that Davis doesn't is established talent on the court around him. With LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, Lillard has a lot more help than Davis does and that could be the reason why he beats out Davis for the award.

I'd be shocked if there were no other rookies in the ROY of the year discussion during the 2012-13 season. But NBA 2K13 certainly doesn't think there will be more than Davis and Lillard vying for the award.

2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Jordan Crawford

4 of 20

Jordan Crawford, SG, Washington Wizards (50%)

15.0 PPG, 2.8 APG, 2.3 RPG, 43.7 FG%

Jamal Crawford, PG/SG, L.A. Clippers (30%)

14.5 PPG, 2.3 APG, 2.2 RPG, 43.5 FG%

Ramon Sessions, PG, Charlotte Bobcats (10%)

8.9 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.6 RPG, 43.6 FG%

D.J. Augustin, PG, Indiana Pacers (10%)

12.8 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.9 RPG, 47.6 FG%

Finally, an award that isn't decided between just two players. While D.J Augustin and Ramon Sessions only won the award a combined 20 percent of the time, NBA 2K13 at least thinks the 2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award will be between four players.

Interestingly enough, there's no mention of James Harden here. Apparently 2K13 has no love for the bearded beast. If there's one takeaway from this slide, it's that a player with the last name Crawford is going to be coming off the bench with some serious production next year.

Jordan Crawford beat out Jamal Crawford for the honor, and that's impressive because Jamal has more talent around him than Jordan does.

I'd be shocked if Jordan Crawford actually walked away with the 2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, but I can't argue with NBA 2K13. It apparently sees something in Crawford that I don't.

2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard

When it came to the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, NBA 2K13 was almost certain who was winning the award, and it shouldn't come as any surprise.

Dwight Howard walks away with the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award for the fourth time. That mark would move him one step closer to being the greatest defensive player of all time, as he would tie Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the only players to win the award four or more times.

Paul Millsap was the only other player NBA 2K13 deemed worthy of winning this award, and that's quite an honor considering who he's running against. Millsap also has quite a bit of frontcourt depth around him in Utah, which will keep him from being the most productive defensive player next season.

Howard brought his talents to the West coast, and it looks like he'll be bringing the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award too.

2013 NBA Most Improved Player: Goran Dragic

6 of 20

Goran Dragic, PG, Phoenix Suns (40%)

13.9 PPG, 10.4 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.9 STLPG, 44.3 FG%

Brandon Jennings, PG, Milwaukee Bucks (20%)

23.1 PPG, 8.7 APG, 4.6 RPG, 2.1 STLPG, 44.5 FG%

Kemba Walker, PG, Charlotte Bobcats (14%)

19.3 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.1 STLPG, 44.1 FG%

Shannon Brown, SG, Phoenix Suns (10%)

19.5 PPG, 3.9 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.9 STLPG, 47.4 FG%

DeJuan Blair, PF/C, San Antonio Spurs (10%)

13.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 0.9 BLKPG, 56.6 FG%

Tyreke Evans, PG, Sacramento Kings (6%)

19.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 47.7 FG%

According to NBA 2K13, the 2013 NBA Most Improved Player award is going to be more contested than any other award. From Evans to Dragic, the MIP award is going to showcase players starting to live up to their true potential.

The only player on this list that I think is somewhat of a stretch is Shannon Brown. Playing with the talent the Suns have isn't going to showcase him anymore than he already has been.

If there's any Suns player who's going to win the award it's going to be Dragic and NBA 2K13 knows that. Dragic finally has the opportunity he's needed to showcase his true talent and I'd be shocked if he isn't in the discussion for this award during the 2012-13 season.

Evans and Jennings could give Dragic a run for his money, but both players would have to really increase their production to steal the award from him and that's going to be hard to do.

2013 NBA Coach of the Year: Erik Spoelstra

7 of 20

Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat (40%)

60-22

Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City Thunder (20%)

57-25

George Karl, Denver Nuggets (10%)

58-24

Vinny Del Negro, L.A. Clippers (10%)

55-27

Doug Collins, Philadelphia 76ers (10%)

56-26

Rick Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves (10%)

53-29

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Erik Spoelstra is the leader regarding the 2013 NBA Head Coach fo the Year award.

The rest of the field, according to NBA 2K13, isn't that surprising too. The upstart Timberwolves are a lock to be a playoff contender and the dark horse Nuggets are a lock to be a legitimate title contender this season, which means their coaches have a great chance to run away with the award.

If the Lakers end up competing for a spot in the Western Conference, expect to see Mike Brown's name in the discussion for this award. Getting superstar talent and larger-than-life egos to work together is no easy task, just ask Spoelstra.

Doing it in Los Angeles with Kobe and D12 is an even greater task, and if Brown can do it, his name will rise to the top for this award. I'm surprised NBA 2K13 didn't throw his name out at least once.

Brandon Jennings being named to the 2013 All-NBA First Team would be quite a feat for the budding superstar.

It would mean that he not only beat out more experienced point guards like Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Steve Nash for the honor, but that he's also establishing himself as a legitimate superstar in the NBA.

The rest of the All-NBA first team isn't too shocking, with LeBron, Dwight, Westbrook and Durant filling out the team. Having two teammates—Westbrook and Durant—on the first team would be quite an honor for the Thunder, and it would only further solidify them as one of the greatest teams in the NBA.

There were many more players vying for the 2013 All-NBA Second Team, but rising to the top are a few rising stars, in DeMarcus Cousins and Kyrie Irving.

Earning this honor for Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Love and Chris Paul isn't a shock, because they've been here before.

The talent on the second team just goes to show how difficult it is to earn the All-NBA First Team honor. Beating out players like LeBron, Durant and Howard isn't out of question, but it's a very tall task for the players on this list.

2013 All-NBA Third Team

10 of 20

G: Monta Ellis, SG, Milwaukee Bucks (60%)

G: Kobe Bryant, SG, L.A. Lakers (60%)

F: Blake Griffin, PF, L.A. Clippers (80%)

F: Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks (50%)

C: LaMarcus Aldridge, C, Portland Trail Blazers (60%)

Others Receiving Votes:

Danny Granger, SF, Indiana Pacers (30%)

Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat (20%)

Deron Williams, PG, Brooklyn Nets (20%)

Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs (20%)

Al Jefferson, C, Utah Jazz (20%)

Derrick Rose, PG, Chicago Bulls (20%)

Andrew Bynum, C, Philadelphia 76ers (20%)

Chris Paul, PG, L.A. Clippers (10%)

DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings (10%)

Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Hornets (10%)

Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors (10%)

The competition for the final spots on the 2013 All-NBA Team was competitive to say the least.

From Stephen Curry, to Danny Granger to Kobe Bryant, NBA 2K13 thinks there are a plethora of players deserving of a chance to be on this team, and 2K13 couldn't be more right.

Filling out an All-NBA team is no easy task, but 2K13 did a good job of picking players who are poised to have great seasons. I would be shocked if these players aren't in the conversation for the All-NBA Third Team come seasons end.

2013 NBA All-Defensive First Team

11 of 20

G: Dwyane Wade, SG, Miami Heat (70%)

G: Paul George, SG, Indiana Pacers (90%)

F: Tyrus Thomas, F, Charlotte Bobcats (60%)

F: Paul Millsap, PF, Utah Jazz (60%)

C: Dwight Howard, C, L.A. Lakers (90%)

Others Receiving Votes

Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder (40%)

Chris Paul, PG, L.A. Clippers (30%)

Rajon Rondo, PG, Boston Celtics (20%)

Josh Smith, PF, Atlanta Hawks (20%)

Anthony Davis, C, New Orleans Hornets (20%)

For some reason that I can't wrap my head around, NBA 2K13 is extremely high on Tyrus Thomas and his defensive skills.

Aside from Thomas, and maybe Paul George, the 2013 All-NBA Defensive First Team plays out as expected. With Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade and Paul Millsap filling out the roster.

It's not unrealistic to think that Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo could find their way onto the All-Defensive first team. But other than that, I don't see any of the other players listed here making a serious push for the honor.

2013 NBA All-Rookie First Team

12 of 20

C: Anthony Davis, C, New Orleans Hornets (100%)

G: Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers (100%)

F: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Charlotte Bobcats (90%)

F: Thomas Robinson, PF, Sacramento Kings (80%)

G: Dion Waiters, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers (90%)

Others Receiving Votes:

Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards (40%)

NBA 2K13 is pretty certain on which rookies will be on the 2013 NBA All-Rookie First Team. With the exception of Bradley Beal a few times, there are five players who are going to add this honor to their resumes at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard are basically locks here, and that makes perfect sense because according to 2K13, they will be the only two players vying for the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Shockingly enough, it's not often that the five of the top six picks make the All-NBA team. But 2K13 thinks this year will be a special one, with five of the top six picks panning out extremely well.

2013 NBA All-Rookie Second Team

13 of 20

G: Austin Rivers, PG, New Orleans Hornets (50%)

G: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Houston Rockets (100%)

G/F: Terrence Ross, SG, Toronto Raptors (80%)

F: Harrison Barnes, SF, Golden State Warriors (100%)

F/C: Andrew Nicholson, PF, Orlando Magic (60%)

Others Receiving Votes

Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards (30%)

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Charlotte Bobcats (20%)

Tyler Zeller, C, Cleveland Cavaliers (20%)

Thomas Robinson, PF, Sacramento Kings (20%)

Royce White, F, Houston Rockets (10%)

Dion Waiters, SG, Cleveland Cavaliers (10%)

NBA 2K13 didn't go to the second round even once to find players for the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team, and it certainly didn't need to.

The talent on the second team shows just how deep the first round of the 2012 NBA draft was. While 2K13 is high on Austin Rivers, he's the one player I think won't make either the first or second team here.

Bradley Beal will easily beat him out for a spot here, if he doesn't find his way onto the 2013 NBA All-Rookie First Team.

While there aren't many surprises at the top of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the bottom half is filled out with some interesting teams.

The Indiana Pacers see a massive drop off from their third seed this past year. Getting passed by the Bucks, 76ers, Knicks and Nets isn't unrealistic, because those teams have more talent than the Pacers.

The Wizards sneaking into the playoffs, however, is a much larger stretch. It's not completely unrealistic. But the Wizards are going to need to mature and gel together to be a playoff team this season.

It's also going to be interesting to see if the Bulls can assert themselves as the second-best team in the Eastern Conference. Without Rose for some period of time, that's going to be difficult, but with Tom Thibodeau leading the way, "anything is possible"—Kevin Garnett version of course.

Speaking of Garnett, where are the Boston Celtics? Apparently NBA 2K13 doesn't think they are going to be that good.

NBA 2K13 thinks it's going to be a clear-cut race in the Western Conference for the Western Conference Finals, and I can't disagree.

The two teams coming in next, the Nuggets and Spurs, are the teams most likely to give the Thunder and Lakers a run for their money. It's somewhat shocking that the Warriors made the WCF 20% of the time in the simulation.

It's going to take an epic collapse by either the Thunder or Lakers for them to not live up to their title aspirations. That, or an upstart team like the Nuggets to knock them off. WIth the talent the Thunder and Lakers have though, it's going to be a tall task to be competitive with them throughout a seven-game series.

Eastern Conference Finals: Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets

Much like the Western Conference, NBA 2K13 is pretty certain on who is going to be playing for the Eastern Conference title—the Heat and the Nets.

A Nets vs. Heat ECF would certainly be exciting to watch. It would have two super teams against each other, both of which were formed during free agency, and it would also be as competitive of a matchup as they come—or at least we think so at this point.

It's clear that a team from the Big Apple is going be vying for a spot in the 2013 NBA Finals, with the Knicks coming in second to the Nets for the lower seed.

Facing off against the mighty Heat appears to be the challenge the lower seed in the East will have waiting for them, and it's going to be an intimidating match up to say the least.

Could this be the year that NBA fans get treated to a Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James NBA Finals? NBA 2K13 thinks so, and so do I.

Not only would a Lakers vs. heat finals add a level of intensity to the Kobe vs. LeBron debate, it would also feature a plethora of star power with Dwight Howard, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol on one side, and Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Ray Allen on the other.

The Thunder and Bulls aren't too far off from competing with the Lakers and Heat for their spots in the finals, and it isn't unrealistic to think that both of those teams could be in the finals at the season's end.

This season might be the NBA's best chance at seeing a Kobe vs. LeBron NBA Finals, and that would sure be one exciting series to watch. It would be one for the ages. Let's hope NBA 2K13 is right here.

2013 NBA Champion: Miami Heat and L.A. Lakers

The 2013 NBA Champion is—the Lakers and the Miami Heat? That's right, NBA 2K13 couldn't figure out which team would truly be crowned the 2013 champion. During the simulation, both the Heat and Lakers were picked as winners a grand total of 15 times each.

For the sake of clarification I ran one more simulation, just to see if 2K13 could shed a little more light on this situation, and during that simulation it chose the San Antonio Spurs as the 2013 champions.

This just adds to the debate of which team is truly the favorite heading into the 2012-13 season. If in 50 full season simulations 2K13 can't figure out if the Heat or Lakers are the better team to win the 2013 title, then we stand no hope of doing the same.

On paper, the Lakers have the deeper team, especially with Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Antawn Jamison in the paint. But that doesn't mean LeBron and company will just lay over and die.

2013 NBA Finals MVP: LeBron James and Dwight Howard

Since NBA 2K13 couldn't figure out which team would be hoisting the 2013 Larry O'Brien Championship trophy at the end of the season, it shouldn't be a shock that it couldn't figure out who would be crowned the finals MVP.

What is shocking is that in those 30 combined times that the Lakers and Heat were crowned champions, no player beside LeBron James and Dwight Howard were crowned the finals most valuable player.

On any other teams that wouldn't be a shock, but with players like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash, it's amazing that 2K13 didn't choose them even once.

A battle between LeBron and Howard during the 2013 NBA Finals would be exciting to watch because LeBron's competitive nature could lead him to trying to put Howard on lockdown if Howard is giving the Heat more than they can handle. That would make for one exciting series and individual battle.